JERMAIN Defoe believes that Niko Kranjcar could prove to be the bargain of the season as the pair return to their former club Portsmouth on Saturday. Harry Redknapp paid just �2.5million to bring the Croatian international to White Hart Lane...

By Ben Pearce

JERMAIN Defoe believes that Niko Kranjcar could prove to be the "bargain of the season" as the pair return to their former club Portsmouth on Saturday.

Harry Redknapp paid just �2.5million to bring the Croatian international to White Hart Lane, reuniting him with his former Pompey colleagues Defoe, Peter Crouch, and the boss himself.

"I'm particularly excited about what Niko can do here," said Defoe. "Niko is certainly one of those who you can see will impress, I'm convinced of that, and when you look at the reported money that we paid for him, you start thinking that he may turn out to be the bargain of the season. It was an incredible piece of business.

"I'm sure it will help so much that he comes here already knowing the manager, plus will be familiar with three former team-mates and two international colleagues [Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka].

"It makes such a difference when you come into a club and already know people, because you can hit the ground running."

Kranjcar scored his first goal for Spurs in the latest 2-2 draw with Bolton, but Defoe will also be a threat to Pompey, who he left in January.

The striker, who turned 27 last week, has netted nine goals in 12 games for club and country this season.

And worryingly for his next opponents, he has also scored in his last four appearances against his former sides - including Portsmouth at White Hart Lane last season. He should be available despite a hand injury, which requires him to wear a protective cast

"Of course I am delighted with how things have gone so far but it's really about how the team perform and making sure that, as a unit, we can stay strong and maintain the progress we've made," Defoe added. "Obviously the team has kicked off in brilliant form so it has been easy for me to get the goals, and long may that continue."

The full interview with Jermain Defoe is included in this month's edition of Hotspur, the official magazine of Tottenham Hotspur. Out now!

The full interview with Jermain Defoe is included in this month's edition of Hotspur, the official magazine of Tottenham Hotspur. Out now!